Change is in the Air . . .

As many informed Democrats (and those New Mexicans who follow politics) know, our elected party, Chair Brian Colon, is slated to resign as Democratic Party Chair. Although other blogs had stated that this announcement would happen today (Wednesday), Chairman Colon confirmed that he would make his announcement on Friday (August 7) and it would be effective the following day. He is considering seeking higher elected office with the Party as a candidate for Lieutenant Governor.

So what does that mean for our Party? According to our governing rules, the Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, Annadelle Sanchez, is required to call a special meeting to seek and elect a replacement Chair to fill the vacancy left by Colon. Our governing rules grant Vice Chair Sanchez the power to call the special meeting, but she does not automatically assume the Chair once vacated by Colon.

It is the intention of the DPNM to have the special meeting coincide with our fall State Central Committee meeting which is normally held in either September or October. This overlap of meetings is crucial for the Party as it will most certainly increase the participation and input from all corners of our state and will ensure that a quorum is reached to conduct Party business.

The special meeting will occur first so that the newly elected Chair of the Party can then conduct the fall session of the State Central Committee.

But this does not answer the question that everyone is asking: Who will (can) replace Brian Colon? While there are several viable names being floated within the party, one thing that is certain is that the new Party chair will be male. According to the governing rules of the State Party, the Chair and Vice Chair must be filled in a way which is equitable to both genders -- i.e. if the Vice Chair is a female, the Chair must be a male and vice versa. During the conference call held this morning among the Democratic County Chairs, Vice Chair Annadelle Sanchez firmly stated that she would not be seeking the Chairmanship of the Party, thus leaving the position only open to males.

As this develops and we have a clearer picture of who enters the foray wishing to replace Brian Colon, we will certainly keep you updated.